Most observers believed that Beckham would be granted the central role he covets, with Figo remaining on the right wing and Zinedine Zidane on the left. But during yesterday's practice match in Kunming, China, Queiroz played Beckham in his Manchester United role on the right, with Figo moved across to the other wing. That would mean shifting Zidane inside, just ahead of midfield linchpin Claude Makelele.

Figo insisted that he had no problem with the move. "I'll adapt to whatever position the manager wants me to play in," he said. Although he responded to the inevitable question by declaring, "I'm not here to talk about Beckham, I'm here to talk about myself and Real Madrid", the threat to his position has not prevented Figo offering the England captain a warm welcome.

Figo, who speaks excellent English, was photographed walking with his arm around Beckham's shoulder and has taken it upon himself to ease the England captain's integration.

Meanwhile, Roberto Carlos admitted that he had already taught Beckham the Spanish every player needs most - the swear words.